Who figured I’d be writing about Earl Barron tonight instead of Nate Robinson.

But there is always something alluring about a traditional 7-footer pivot with some skill, especially after watching these undersized Knicks get murdered on the boards since Feb. 18th. Making his first start at center, Barron racked up 17 points, 18 rebounds in the Knicks upset over the grumbling Celtics. Barron got tired in the fourth quarter as Mike D’Antoni ran him too long – 44 minutes. The Knicks are 2-0 with Barron. (And 3-0 when Tracy McGrady sits out).

Barron should start the rest of the way with five games left. This also gives the Knicks a chance to look at 6-9 David Lee at his natural position of power forward,

Robinson’s return was a Debbie Downer. When the 5-7 1/2 sparkplug checked into the game, he got a polite ovation, nothing more than Jamal Crawford his first time back. It was surprising but telling.

Robinson was their favorite player but in truth, this fan base hasn’t been too attached to anyone across the last nine seasons. Robinson was a diversion while he was here, nothing more. I’m not going to kill Knick fans for not showing more warmth. It was an eye-opener about how superficial their feelings were about even their favorites the past few seasons. I’m sure Robinson expected more.

Robinson didn’t take a shot in his eight-minute first-half stint. He got in early in the fourth, made a couple of jumpers, finished 2 of 4 for 5 points and 5 assists but nothing electric. The 3-time Slam-Dunk champ never came close to the rim. Knicks brass could’ve done more to nudge the fans with a special intro, but Robinson’s a Celtic now. Maybe it would’ve been different if he came back as a Charlotte Bobcat.

Five more games left, with Wednesday night’s clash in Indy. With Barron in the mix, the Knicks now outsize Butler.